Object securing fire-ignition devices to tobacco pipes of various sizes and forms used to smoke tobacco

ABSTRACT

The Invention provides an improved device for storing a fire-ignition device and attaching such device to a tobacco pipe. The Invention is comprised of a large Fabric Band, which attaches securely to a tobacco pipe, a Small Fabric Loop which attaches securely to a fire-ignition device, and a tether which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanism attached at one end to the Fabric Band and at the other to the Small Fabric Loop. The tether can be extended to such an extent that the attached fire-ignition device may be used to light tobacco contained in the attached tobacco pipe.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention (“the Invention” and “the Product”) is amanufactured object best characterized as a special receptacle orpackage with igniter for tobacco content, tobacco-smoking accessory,smoking accessory, smoking pipe accessory, or an article carrier withrelatively mobile attaching means. Individuals smoke tobacco from pipesof various sizes, forms, and materials. The variants are practicallyinnumerable. Many manufacturers produce small, simple pipes comprised ofplastic or other synthetic compounds, others produced large, elaboratepipes comprised of glass, wood, or other materials. Some pipes beardramatic ornamentation, while others are extremely simple in appearance.

These pipes all contain a receptacle in which individuals place tobacco,which is then ignited with a cigarette or multipurpose lighter, match,or other object producing an open flame. Once lit, the smoker inhalesthe tobacco smoke through a hole in the pipe. The tobacco smoke may ormay not pass through water within the pipe prior to inhalation, and mayor may not be filtered via other processes, depending upon theparticular design of the pipe.

Three objects are necessary for satisfactory use of the pipe: the pipeitself; tobacco; and a fire-ignition device that produces an open flameand ignites the tobacco. Without the fire-ignition device, the pipe isessentially useless to the smoker. Smokers often find themselves inpossession of a pipe and tobacco, but no fire-ignition device. No pipesare presently equipped with a fire-ignition device. Indeed, no pipesprovide the smoker with any receptacle or other manner in which they maysecure a fire ignition device to the pipe. No individual, corporation,or other concern manufactures or markets a device that secures afire-ignition device to a wide range of tobacco pipes, or to tobaccopipes of specific sizes. This invention provides just such a device, andprovides a solution that enables a smoker to avoid situations in whichshe possesses a pipe and tobacco, but lacks a fire-ignition device, andthereby increases the smoker's satisfaction. In addition, this inventionpermits the smoker to light tobacco contained in the pipe withoutremoving the fire-ignition device from the invention, thus reducing thelikelihood of the fire-ignition device being misplaced by the smoker.

Several products exist which provide a means by which a fire-ignitiondevice may be attached to a person's body. Such products have severalfailings.

These products require that the smoker utilize the device regularly toensure that she has consistent access to the fire-ignition device.Therefore, the smoker is required to carry the extra weight of theproduct and fire-ignition device regularly, or the product is renderedineffective. In addition, these products are often visibly attached thesmoker's body or clothing, or cause visible bumps or bulges in thesmoker's clothing if employed under her clothes.

These products also separate the fire-ignition device from the tobaccopipe, which requires that the smoker exert mental energy, and rememberto pack and transport tobacco, pipe, and product while traveling long orshort distances. This mental burden often results in one of the threenecessary objects for satisfactory use of the pipe.

These products also fail to provide easy access to a fire-ignitiondevice to one smoker, which tobacco pipes are often used by severalindividuals. Thus, each smoker must procure and wear/carry their ownproduct and fire-ignition device despite the fact that all utilize acommon tobacco pipe; this is inefficient and burdensome.

None of the above inventions, taken either singly or in combination, isseen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Finding a fire-ignition device such as a cigarette lighter can be afrustrating and time-consuming process when a smoker wishes to use atobacco pipe. It is often difficult for smokers to consistently rememberthe locations of the tobacco pipe, tobacco, and fire-ignition device,whether traveling, at home, or in another location.

The Invention provides a convenient, durable, and attractive means ofattaching a fire-ignition devices to a tobacco pipe. Unlike the productsdescribed above, the Invention does not require a smoker to regularlycarry the weight of the fire-ignition device. Because it is attached tothe tobacco pipe, the Invention also eliminates the necessity (requiredby the above products) of making an unsightly modification to thesmoker's appearance.

The Invention, by attaching the fire-ignition device to the tobaccopipe, reduces the number of objects required to satisfactorily use thetobacco pipe from three (i.e. tobacco, tobacco pipe, fire-ignitiondevice) to two (tobacco; tobacco pipe with fire-ignition deviceattached). This provides significant benefits to the smoker, includingincreased convenience and decreased requirements regarding mental energyand memory. The Invention also provides an improved method of storing afire-ignition device so that it is close at hand when a smoker wishes touse a tobacco pipe.

The Invention, by attaching the fire-ignition device to the tobaccopipe, imbues all users of the pipe with the benefit of convenienttobacco lighting. If multiple individuals use a single tobacco pipe,only one Invention is required.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the Invention to provide ameans of attaching a variety of fire-ignition devices to a variety oftobacco pipes (with one fire-ignition device attached to one tobaccopipe).

It is another object of the Invention to provide a means to do so insuch a way that the fire-ignition device is securely and reliablyattached to the tobacco pipe.

It is another object of the Invention to provide a means to do so insuch a way that the fire-ignition device may be easily moved forpurposes of lighting the tobacco contained in the tobacco pipe, yetremain attached to the tobacco pipe.

It is an object of the Invention to provide elements and arrangementsthereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive,dependable, durable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intendedpurposes.

These and other objects of the present Invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. A is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention.The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of theenvironment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is madeto the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. A depicts the Small Fabric Loopconnected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether retracted), and depicts an exploded view of the innerworkings of the retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractabletether independent of its use in combination with the other portions ofthe Invention. FIG. A also depicts the Velcro closure and D ringattached to the Large Fabric Band.

FIG. B is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of theInvention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part ofthe environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim ismade to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. B depicts the Small FabricLoop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether partly extended), and depicts an exploded view of theinner workings of the retractable tether. No claim is made to theretractable tether independent of its use in combination with the otherportions of the Invention. FIG. B also depicts the Velcro closure and Dring attached to the Large Fabric Band.

FIG. C is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of theInvention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part ofthe environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim ismade to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. C depicts the Small FabricLoop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view ofthe retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tetherindependent of its use in combination with the other portions of theInvention. FIG. C also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attached tothe Large Fabric Band.

FIG. D1 is a lateral view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention.FIG. D1 depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Bandby means of a retractable tether (with the tether partly extended), anddepicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is madeto the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with theother portions of the Invention. FIG. D1 also depicts the Velcro closureand D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band, and the Invention wrappedto depict how the Velcro closure and D ring may be used to secure theInvention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. D2 is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of theInvention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part ofthe environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim ismade to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. D2 depicts the Small FabricLoop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view ofthe retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tetherindependent of its use in combination with the other portions of theInvention. FIG. D2 also depicts the Velcro closure and D ring attachedto the Large Fabric Band, and the Invention wrapped to depict how theVelcro closure and D ring may be used to secure the Invention to atobacco pipe.

FIG. E1 is a lateral view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention.FIG. E1 depicts the Small Fabric Loop connected to the Large Fabric Bandby means of a retractable tether (with the tether retracted), anddepicts an un-exploded view of the retractable tether. No claim is madeto the retractable tether independent of its use in combination with theother portions of the Invention. FIG. E1 also depicts the Inventionwithout the Velcro closure and D ring attached to the Large Fabric Bandto depict how the friction created by the Large Fabric Band may be usedto secure the Invention to a tobacco pipe.

FIG. E2 is a three-quarters view, depicting one embodiment of theInvention. The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part ofthe environment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim ismade to the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. E2 depicts the Small FabricLoop connected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether retracted), and depicts an un-exploded view of theretractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tetherindependent of its use in combination with the other portions of theInvention. FIG. E2 also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closureand D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the frictioncreated by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention toa tobacco pipe.

FIG. F is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention.The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of theenvironment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is madeto the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. F depicts the Small Fabric Loopconnected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether retracted), and depicts an un-exploded view of theretractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tetherindependent of its use in combination with the other portions of theInvention. FIG. F also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closureand D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the frictioncreated by the-Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention toa tobacco pipe.

FIG. G is an overhead view, depicting one embodiment of the Invention.The cigarette lighter depicted with broken lines is part of theenvironment, is shown for reference purposes only, and no claim is madeto the cigarette lighter depicted. FIG. G depicts the Small Fabric Loopconnected to the Large Fabric Band by means of a retractable tether(with the tether partly extended), and depicts an un-exploded view ofthe retractable tether. No claim is made to the retractable tetherindependent of its use in combination with the other portions of theInvention. FIG. G also depicts the Invention without the Velcro closureand D ring attached to the Large Fabric Band to depict how the frictioncreated by the Large Fabric Band may be used to secure the Invention toa tobacco pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Invention will be described fully hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of theinvention are shown. This Invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is tobe understood that the present Invention is not limited to theembodiments described herein, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the claims set forth herein.

The Product is comprised of a large elasticized fabric band and onesmaller elasticized fabric loop. The Large Fabric Band and the SmallFabric Loop are connected by a tether which can be extended andretracted via a retractable mechanism embedded in one of the components.

The Product contains a Large Fabric Band made up of an elastic materialthat expands when stretched by human hands applying moderate force. Theelastic material is employed in different colors, fabrics, and patternsfor designer and style purposes.

The Large Fabric Band may be wrapped around the cylindrical orsemi-cylindrical portion of a tobacco pipe. The surface of one portionof the band, once wrapped around the tobacco pipe is connected with aVelcro strap to the surface of another portion of the Large Fabric Bandor looped back through a D ring. Alternatively, the ends of Large FabricBand may be connected to each other with permanent or semi-permanentstitching, permitting the Large Fabric Band to be secured to a tobaccopipe via the friction created by the elasticity of the Large FabricBand. These options of securing the Large Fabric Band to tobacco pipespermit the Product to be secured to tobacco pipes of a wide variety ofsizes, shapes, and forms.

The Small Fabric Loop is made up of an elastic material that expandswhen stretched by human hands applying moderate force. The Small FabricLoop's dimensions permit the secure insertion and retention of cigaretteand multipurpose lighters of common size, shape, and form.

The Large Fabric Band and the Small Fabric Loop are connected by atether. The tether may be extended or retracted via a retractablemechanism embedded in one of the components. No claim is made in thispatent to the internal workings or other aspects of the retractablemechanism independent of its function in the context of the Product.

The Large Fabric Band is attached to the tobacco pipe by the user, andsecurely fastened using the Velcro closure and/or D ring. Afire-ignition device is then secured within the Small Fabric Loop by theuser. At this stage, the user has successfully utilized the Product, andmay ignite the tobacco residing in the pipe by extending and laterretracting the tether between the Large Fabric Band and the Small FabricLoop so as to bring the open flame produced by the fire-ignition devicewithin close proximity of the tobacco.

Manner and Process of Making

The Product is created through the sewing and manipulation of two layersof elastic fabric to form the Large Fabric Band and Small Fabric Loop asdescribed above and visualized in the submitted Drawings. The elasticfabric is cut to size, and then all seams and edges are machine-sewn toform a strong bond and prevent fraying of the fabric or stitching.

The retractable tether component is inserted between two layers ofelastic fabric after the fabric is cut to size, and before it ismachine-sewn. The retractable tether component is glued to the surfaceof one layer of fabric. A ⅛″ space is left between stitches at the edgeof the piece of fabric to which the retractable tether component isattached. This space accommodates the extrusion of the tether itselfoutside the fabric following the stitching of the two layers.

The D ring is inserted between the two layers of elastic fabric thatcomprise the Large fabric Band after the fabric is cut to size, andbefore it is machine-sewn. The D Ring is glued at the right end of theLarge Fabric Band.

The D Ring is inserted between the two layers of elastic fabric thatcomprise the Large Fabric Band after the fabric is cut to size, andbefore it is machine-sewn. The D Ring is inserted at the right end ofthe Large Fabric Band, and extrudes from the Large Fabric Band as shownin the attached Drawings.

The Velcro Closure is glued to the surface of the elastic fabric thatcomprises the Large Fabric Band after the fabric has been cut to sizeand machine-sewn. The Velcro Closure is glued to the fabric at the leftside of the Large Fabric Band, and extends beyond the left edge of theLarge Fabric Band as shown in the attached Drawings.

Best Mode Contemplated

The Best Mode Contemplated of the Product is a Large Fabric Band between5″-8″ in length, 2″-3″ in height, 1/16″-⅛″ in width, connected with a10″-12″ long, ½″ to ¾″ wide Velcro strap.

The Velcro strap can either be connected directly around product orlooped back through a 1¼″ metal D ring.

Sewn into the Large Fabric Band is a retractable tether componentcomprised of a mechanism that provides the capacity to extend andretract, and a tether comprised of nylon cord with a circumference ofone-eighth inch and a length of twenty inches.

The Small Fabric Loop is connected to the Large Fabric Band via thetether, and is a 1½″ (height)×3″ (total) loop made of elastic fabricdesigned to accommodate the most common cigarette and multipurposelighters.

Note Regarding Claims

As is customary practice, I request that the Patent Examiner point outany claims resulting from the above descriptions and drawings I may haveinadvertently missed, and that she point out any relevant changes thatshould be made to clarify the submitted claims, and that she point outany unintended duplication of claims should such inadvertently occur.

1. A tobacco pipe accessory consisting of the combination of: one smallfabric loop, adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignitiondevice, a tether connecting the Small Fabric Loop to a tobacco pipe,wherein said tether can be extended and retracted via a retractablemechanism embedded in the Fabric Band or the Small Fabric Loop to suchan extent that the enwrapped fire-ignition device may be used to lighttobacco contained in the attached tobacco pipe.
 2. A tobacco pipeaccessory consisting of the combination of: one large fabric bandadapted to enwrap and remain connected to a tobacco pipe, one smallerfabric loop, adapted to enwrap and remain connected to a fire-ignitiondevice, and a tether connecting the Fabric Band and the Small FabricLoop which can be extended and retracted via a retractable mechanismembedded in the Fabric Band or the Small Fabric Loop to such an extentthat the enwrapped fire-ignition device may be used to light tobaccocontained in the enwrapped tobacco pipe.
 3. The tobacco pipe accessoryrecited in claim No. 2 wherein: said Fabric Band is elasticized andremains connected to a tobacco pipe by means of friction and the FabricBand's elasticity, and the Small Fabric Loop is elasticized and remainsconnected to a fire-ignition device by means of friction and the SmallFabric Loop's elasticity.
 4. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claimNo. 2 wherein: said Fabric Band remains connected to a tobacco pipe bymeans of fabric secured by a Velcro closure, and the Small Fabric Loopis elasticized and remains connected to a fire-ignition device by meansof friction and the Small Fabric Loop's elasticity.
 5. The tobacco pipeaccessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Small Fabric Loop isfabricated such that its interior width and depth dimensions are equalto or within a 1/16″ inch tolerance of the size of common fire-ignitiondevices.
 6. The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 whereinthe Small Fabric Loop is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remainconnected to fire-ignition devices of various sizes.
 7. The tobacco pipeaccessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the Small Fabric Loop isfabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected to afire-ignition devices of a specific size.
 8. The tobacco pipe accessoryrecited in claim No. 2 wherein the Fabric Band is fabricated such thatit can enwrap and remain connected to tobacco pipes of various sizes. 9.The tobacco pipe accessory recited in claim No. 2 wherein the FabricBand is fabricated such that it can enwrap and remain connected totobacco pipes of a specific size.